Dutas is a generic form of Avodart and is manufactured by Dr Reddy's Laboratory in India.

Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart), inhibitors of the 5-a-reductase enzyme that prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finasteride blocks only 5-a-reductase type I, dutasteride also blocks type II. They are not general antiandrogens in that they don't counteract the effects or production of other androgens than DHT.

Avodart® is the medication from GlaxoSmithKline for reducing DHT. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the main hormone linked to hairloss. Propecia® prevents one of two enzymes from being converted into DHT and blocks 2/3 of the DHT production. The medication Avodart® blocks both enzymes in the body that convert into DHT and reduces overall DHT production by over 93%.

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd has launched Dutas for the treatment of enlarged prostate. Dr. Reddy's is the first company to launch this drug in India.

Symptomatic enlarged prostate affects around 55% of men over the age of 50 and almost 90% over the age of 70 worldwide, said Dr. Reddy's. In India there are over 77mn men over the age of 60 who are affected by this disease, it added.

It is a progressive disease with obstructive urinary symptoms that worsen with age, Dr. Reddy's said. The medical management of symptomatic enlarged prostate is now well established and offers the convenience of oral treatment as opposed to surgery, the Hyderabad-based pharmaceuticals company added.

Commenting on the launch, Jaspal Singh Bajwa, President, Branded Formulations business, Dr. Reddy's, said, "Dr. Reddy's was the first company to introduce medical management of symptomatic enlarged prostate in India with the launch of its brand Finast (generic name: finasteride) in 1996. Dutasteride addresses the medical need of not only managing the symptoms but also helps in arresting disease progression".

About Dr. Reddy's

Established in 1984, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (NYSE: RDY) is an emerging global pharmaceutical company with proven basic research capabilities. The company is vertically integrated with a presence across the pharmaceutical value chain. It produces finished dosage forms, active pharmaceutical ingredients and biotechnology products and markets them globally, with focus on India, US, Europe and Russia. The Company conducts research in the areas of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, inflammation and bacterial infection.